Timing and Scoring Hardware/Software

[AnarchyAutoSports]

Hey all:

We here in Thunder Bay are currently hunting down some funding for an electronic timing and scoring system.

What I would like to know is anyone's opinions on two of the systems, AMB or DbCom.

I know AMB is probably the more popular of the two, but I'm unsure about using the cable loop (I'm pretty sure we're not going to be able to bury it in the ice). Can it be suspended?

The DbCom system seems to be less expensive....but does that mean it's not oo good? I know the Bridgestone Racing School is using it right now, but haven't heard much about it. The antenna system it uses seems a little better for our intended use though.

Anyway....let me know what you think.

P.S. Does the CASC-OR get a discount from either of these companies?

[Steven Scala]

I went back to Bridgestone for some racing last weekend and noticed that they've switched from the DbCom system (which I operated as a school mechanic in y2000) to the AMB system.

I noticed one 'miss' in my lap chart on Saturday, versus the spate of misses I'd encounter whenever the DbCom's radio antenna was blown over/improperly positioned/just plain temperamental. That said, the DbCom system seems to have served BRA well for several years. If the price is right, it may be a good system for a budget-conscious operation. If you can afford the AMB, however, it may very well be the best around.

SS

[AnarchyAutoSports]

The funding all depends on the quote.......that said however......If it won't work suspended.....then it's usless.

To date AMB won't reply to an e-mail asking if it will work suspended.

[rmicroys]

The proximity between the loop and the transponder has to be fairly close.

From the specifications from AMB's website:

AMB MX system (motocross/snowmobile):

AMB MX Rechargeable Transponder
Position: max. height 120 cm, 4ft above detection loop

Specifications for the TranX260 system
AMB TranX260 Rechargeable Transponder
Position: max. height 2 ft for cars max. height 4 ft for motorcycles

Specifications of TranX Pro
TranX Pro Transponder
Transponder position: max. height 60 cm / 2 ft

Just pick the system you're interested and then go to the specifications page for the system to read about the sensitivity of the various transponders.

I suppose you could suspend the loop from the air, then mount the transponders on the roof of the cars, on their number fin, pointing upwards. Why not? As long as it's not more than 2' above the tops of all the roofs to ensure that you don't miss xponder signals. Not the nicest or safest setup I gather. I guess the studded classes make it difficult to put the cable in the ice as it may get damaged. Unless you put it a good 1ft deep, and maybe reposition it mid way through the day, but I doubt you want to cut 1ft deep slices in the ice hhmmm?

ps... nice logo in your sig, did you borrow it from somebody? ;)